Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L) Tuber in India: Present Status and Scope
P. C. Vengaiah *
ICAR - AICRP Palms, Dr. YSRHU - Horticultural Research Station, Pandirimamidi – 533 288, ASR District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
K R Prasad
ICAR - AICRP Palms, Dr. YSRHU - Horticultural Research Station, Pandirimamidi – 533 288, ASR District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
G N Murthy
ICAR - AICRP Palms, Dr. YSRHU - Horticultural Research Station, Pandirimamidi – 533 288, ASR District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
S. Sumitha
ICAR-CPCRI, Kasargod, Kerala, India.
B. A Jerard
ICAR-CPCRI, Kasargod, Kerala, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Palmyrah palm, is also an important multipurpose tree having great utility of each part of it have economic value right from fruit to root and hence the palm is equated to the “Kalpa Vriksha” in the Indian mythology meaning the tree that gives everything for life. The Palmyra palm can be found in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, and Bihar. The palms in South India are seldom used to the full potential, but the natural regeneration through seeds increases the number of palms in the territory. Very few growers use the young fruits although the delicacy is known to the people. The ripe fruits are not used either for juice or for tuber production, whereas, the tubers are sold in the markets for fresh consumption. Palmyrah tuber flour is used as raw material for various products of starch in food industries and bakery and confectionary items.
Keywords: Palmyrah, tuber, value addition, nutrition, natural food